John M. STETLER, b. abt., 1805-died at age 79 in PA. by Dean THOMSON & L.H.

Dean THOMSON, is researching the STETLER'S, and us tring to find out the parents of John M., Sarah Ann &amp; Abner STETLER, all born in PA very early 1800's. General area they lived Lower Providence, Montgomery, Pennsylvania. DEAN HAS FOUND THAT PARTICULAR INFO! lmh

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Want more info on John M. STETLER b. abt 1805 in PA died age 79 in PA.

1805-1884
—PA

Dean THOMSON, and I are looking for the parent's of a John M. STETLER, and a couple of his siblings Sarah Ann and Abner STETLER. We have the census' i.e. 1850, but cannot seem to find out for sure who his parent's were. He is listed among the "free white's> on early PA census'.

We would appreciate it if someone knew of any info about these they may be German or IRISH, originally.

Ann STETLER, obituary sent from Dean THOMSON, STETLER, researcher.

Lara
I have found the answer to our Stetler puzzle--without doubt!!!
page 2 1820 4 21 Franklin Gazette
Lara,
The first E-mail maybe did not include the obituary.
Dean
----- Original Message -----
From:MELZ102260@aol.comTo:deanthomson5@gmail.comSent: Friday, May 01, 2009 12:12 PM
Subject: Re: Stetler-McGinley--not a marriage date yet but a possible husband??
Subject: Re: Stetler-McGinley--not a marriage date yet but a possible husband??
Dean,
I started going through obituaries anyway before hearing back...as her name was Sarah Ann; I looked for Sarahs, Sadies, and Ann(e)s Stetlers; I was wondering if the woman's obit below may be her? I know the age doesn't match exactly but if not her maybe a relative? You had she was born 1780 and died at the age of 39 which makes her death about 1819 not 1839/40 as you wrote...which makes me even more curious if this is her. If it is then it would seem likely that Montgomery County marriages would be where to look; I had been looking in Philadelphia County. hmmm..well let me know what you think.
page 2 1820 4 21 Franklin Gazette
Marie :)
She is buried at Augustus Lutheran Cemetery Trappe Montgomery County (the stone must have her burial date instead of her death date..as it is listed as the 20th not the 13th as the obituary states. hmmm... As well as her husband Christian who died 1821.
The info in the obit matches the info in the Poor Orphan Boy book--attended the Luthern Church had breasts removed because of cancer, the only difference is her age which his probably a result of poor memory on J. M. Stetlers part after all he was only five when Sarah Ann died.
My informant says more Stetlers are interred at the cemetery,I suppose members of her family?
Dean
Lara,
Something else to check, see most recent message.
Dean
----- Original Message -----
From:MELZ102260@aol.comTo:deanthomson5@gmail.comSent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 4:09 PM
Subject: Christian Stetler did
Hi me again..:)
Christian did have a will STETLER, CHRISTIAN. Upper Providence. March 23, 1821. Just in case you wanted to go that route.
:)
Subject:
Fw: Christian Stetler did
Date:
5/2/2009 6:23:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From:
deanthomson5@gmail.com
Reply To:
To:
LLighthse101@aol.com
CC:
BCC:
Sent on:
Sent from the Internet (Details)

STETLER of PA info found.

1800's
—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lara,
The new footnote site John M. McGinley looks great.
However, I owe you an apology, I guess I wasn't clear about what I sent! I always assume that you have materials I previously send and can access them more or less immediately.
With all the Sarah Anns in the tree it can be confusing I know. The search is over!
What I meant was this: The Parents of Sarah Ann, John M. & Abner Stetler have been found, the OBIT of Ann Stetler confirms it-the info in that little notice matches hand in-glove with the info from John Stetlers book A Poor Orphan Boy.
It is a perfect match. Also I think I can confirm Michael as another child in the family.
See attached file.
Can you revise the footnote file to say the search is over?
Again I apologize for not being more clear!
Dean
Yes, trying to get info correct, thank you Dean.

STETLER/NORRIS, a lot of info and hard work by Dean THOMSON.

1700's-1900's
—PA, DC,Petersburg, Virginia

Lara,
try this, The picture isn't going but can send separately

Stetler

AUGUSTUS LUTHERAN CHURCH Trappe Montgomery county, Pennsylvania

The earliest of the family that can be documented so far is the family of Sarah Ann McGinley and Christian Stetler who were married about the year 1800 and likely was married in Philadelphia, at the home of her father, John McGinley, Revolutionary War soldier and her grandfather, William Hurry, also a Revolutionary War soldier and the man who rang the Liberty Bell when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Sarah Ann Mcginley Stetler was just 36 years of age when she died of breast cancer in the year 1820. The family that she and her husband brought into this world consisted of 9 children who also lost their father shortly after the death of their mother. The majority of the childrens’ names are unknown but those that are known are listed below.

Christian Stetler died March 4, 1821 and Wife Sarah Ann died April 13, 1820

Christian & Sarah Ann McGinley Stetler are at rest together in the Augustus Lutheran Church cemetery at Trappe, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. This church began construction in the year 1743 and is the oldest Lutheran Church in in the United States still being used for services.

1.

2. Sarah Ann 1804-1838 (married John Meredith Norris)

3.

4. Abner 1809-1899 (married Caroline Garrison)

5. brother born 1812 (four years older than John)

6. Michael 1815 1899

7. John McGinley 1816-1894 (married Maria Charlotte)

8. (died about 1821)

9. (died about 1821)

#2. Sarah Ann Stetler married John Meredith Norris on January 7, 1824 and had born to them the following six children:

Margaret, Carrie, John, Andrew, Marie Louise & James

Sarah Stetler Norris’ son John was in the Civil war:

John Norris enlisted on November 16, 1861 in Philadelphia for a period of three years and was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant of Battery G. John was 24, married, with 2 sons.

The Regiment was mustered in January, 1862 and, on January 9, Batteries D, G and H were ordered to Fort Delaware. [Fort Delaware was on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River at the present town of Delaware City, DE] On 25 February, the remaining seven batteries were ordered to Washington, D. C. On Sunday, March 9, before the batteries moved, word was received that the Confederate ironclad, CSS Merrimac, was coming. All guns were loaded and lookouts were posted, but the Merrimac never arrived. On March 19, 1862, the batteries left Fort Delaware at eleven P. M. and arrived at Fort Lincoln, Washington, D. C. on the 21st of March.

*John Norris letters at end of article!

#7. About the age of five & after the death of both parents and two younger siblings #8 & #9 J. M. with an older brother were taken to an Uncles place to be cared for until other families could be found to care for the boys. The boys probably stayed with the uncle about 3 years (1821-1824) when a place was found for them. J. M. Stetler states: I had spent about eight years of my life at this place , so was nearly sixteen years of age (1832) when very unexpectedly to me, my brother-in-law came from the city and took me from the plough. The CITY would have been Philadelphia. J. M. further states:''after a long ride of some forty miles we came to the city" and one evening my brother took me to the Delaware(river) to swim. J. M. also states it took eight days to travel from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, my destination. I did not remain there long, I loved the Quaker City too well. J. M. was about 19 when he returned from Pittsburgh and was married soon thereafter. (1835). The journey to Pittsburgh was very likely to visit his brother Abner who moved to Pittsburgh in 1835 with his family. Also all his brothers & sisters had left Philadelphia to live elsewhere.

John Norris arrived in Philadelphia on July 7, 1861. His uncle, John M. Stetler, proposed to help John start anew in Philadelphia, but, before this could be done, John was stricken with erysipelas, a painful disease, also known as St. Anthony's Fire. When John recovered, he decided to enlist in the United States Army.

On the occasion of his seventieth birthday in 1886, J. M. Stetler published a book called A Poor Orphan Boy, a copy is owned by cousin Mary (Peebles) Turner whose family lives at Randolph, Neb. as of 1992.

John Stetlers daughter, Mary Ann Hartman relates that when her father was losing his sight and finally went blind that he would dictate to her and she took his articles down in longhand for the printer.

John Stetler died a few years before Mrs. Marian Hamblet, great-granddaughter of John was born. Johns death was July 14, 1894 in Philadelphia.

In 1880, he was living at 1809 Lambert Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (8). He was living with his wife Emma (9). He was a tin roofer (8).

He died on 3 April 1881, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of dropsy of heart (5 [4 Sep], 9 [3 April], 10). He was married, and was a tinsmith (10). The funeral was held on 7 April, at 523 Callowhill Street (his mother-in-law's house) (9, 41). Members of ED Baker Post Number 8 GAR were invited to attend (9). He was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery (10).

His widow applied successfully for a pension (5).

In 1890, his widow, Emma L Stetler, was living at 523 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia Pennsylvania (6). He had been shot through the right hand, and had suffered from rheumatism (6).

#4. Abner Stetler married Caroline Garrison, daughter of Miles Garrison of Gloucester, county, N.J. on March 25, 1832 in Philadelphia by the Rev. Joseph H. Kennard and after the birth of their first two children William S. and Joseph G., the family loaded themselves into a Conestoga wagon in the year 1835 and made the long journey to Pittsburgh where they started a new life. Abners’ younger brother John, also made that same journey to Pittsburgh by Dearborne wagon making the journey in eight days saying that was a fast journey, so it is probably safe to assume that Abner and Carolines journey took at least as long and probably longer since they had children.

John, I believe must have went to Pittsburgh for a visit with his brother because he says that he was nineteen when he was there. Also all his brothers & sisters had left Philadelphia to live elsewhere at that time.

Abner helped build the first iron boat that sailed from Pittsburgh to New Orleans.

Abner Stetler, brother of John M. and Sarah Stetler is listed on the following census and directories of Pittsburgh.

Abner Stetler is shown in 1870 census with wife Carrie, 3 children Margaret, Norris, Abner. The 1880 census shows his name as Atmor Stetler, age 70, occupation laborer, and the 3 children, Abner 30, Norris 25, Margaret 32. He is listed as married although Caroline died in 1874. The Pittsburgh Gazzette of Jan. 9, 1899 on page 2 lists Abners obituary.

Abners son William S. Stetler was in the Civil war: Enlisted in Civil war, killed at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, (Slaughter Mountain) Northern Virginia

Military Cemetery, Culpeper, Va. is the resting place for the victims of the Battle of Cedar Mountain and other conflicts.

Miles G. Stetler did serve in the Civil war IN Knapps Battery “E”

Stetler, Miles Private August 27, 1862 Mustered out with battery, June 14, 1865

Henrietta Stetlers husband Alvin Ingalls served in the Civil war.

Alvin H. Ingalls was held as a POW in Libby prison for 5 days, from 8 July to 13 July 1864. He was then transferred to a hospital in Richmond instead of being sent to Andersonville Prison in GA. U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865.

Paroled-Aikens Landing, Va. 10-06-1862. Jun.1865 he is shown last in service.

The 1864 directory of Pittsburgh page 171 shows Joseph J. Klinefelter, carpenter living at 42 Chestnut which is also the address of Abner Stetler, his father in law. Apparently Joseph & Caroline lived with Carolines’ parents during the Civil war period and likely this is the address where their son Judge was born.

Joseph Klinefelter went with General William T. Sherman on The March through Georgia in 1864. Their son Judge would have been about 2 months old at the time.

After the war he joined & later became commander of the Grand Army of the Rebublic, J.B. McPherson post #117 at Pittsburgh, Pa.

Joseph enjoyed going to the GAR encampments (reunions) after the war. Granddaughter Blanche was with Joseph & Caroline Klinefelter on a visit to a Colorado encampment when they met Herb Thomson in the Depot at Colorado Springs.

I received a letter from Killow a few days since, at Washington, saying that Rittenhouse, Gant & Co, Bankers, at Washington had received returns from London, and that payment had been stopped on the draft & sent to Columbia for you, and that they have the money to refund to you. You will have to have the receipt I hold and an order from me to enable you to get it. I write to know if I shall send it to you at Hyde Park as I am not positive of your whereabouts. Please write me immediately and I will enclose the papers to you in a registered letter.

I returned to the Regiment on the 23d April and was mustered on my Commission – Captain of old Battery “G” – on the 24th. Everything goes on finely at present. [George W.] Webb returned on Saturday and I suppose will be mustered Captain of “F.” Captain [William S.] Bailey of “F” is now Major. Winzer is Lieutenant Colonel and Captain Schooley is commissioned Major. He arrived yesterday.

There have been a number of promotions recently. The old second is a mammoth Regiment yet, having over 2300 names on the Rolls and from appearances, will have an opportunity to serve some time before being mustered out as it is expected our Brigade is to do Police duty in the five counties hereabout. We have a very nice camp and comfortable tents. I suppose you have heard that our Colonel is now S[amuel] D. Strawbridge.

Yours of the 6th instant is received. I was indeed glad to hear from you once more. My wife had been down to make me a visit and on her return to Washington she found your letter. She informed me that she went to the bank to collect the money for you, but as you had made an error in the amount, saying five pounds (the amount being only four pounds I sent you) she could not collect it.

If you will write her again stating the amount at four pounds sterling, she can collect it and will send the amount by Draft, which will be the more safe. If you have the receipt which the bank gave me, and which I believe I gave to you, you had better send it to her also. I regret that this delay has occurred in your procuring this money.

I am pleased to know that you had the pleasure of a visit to your parents. I am surprised that you should have returned so soon. I think you have become thoroughly Americanized. I have had a busy summer of it. I returned to the Regiment the 23d of April. On the 24th was mustered Captain of Battery “G.” In May, was appointed Military Commandant of Prince George County, Assistant Provost Marshall, &c. and issued rations to destitute citizens, white and black. We issued in that County at the rate of one thousand rations per day. I continued there until the middle of July when Battery “G” was ordered to join a portion of the Regiment at Poplar Grove Church. The latter part of July, the Regiment was ordered into the city for duty and I am now appointed Ordinance Officer on the staff of General Hartstaff. General Hartstaff has been relieved and Major General Gibbon is now in command and I continue on his staff. Am now on a General Court Martial for a few days. The Regiment has had several moves and is now scattered over the city and a portion is out at Burksville under Lieutenant Colonel Winzer, who is in command of Sub. District of the Roanoke. Colonel [Samuel D.] Strawbridge is stationed in the city in command of Sub. District of the Blackwater. Captain [George W.] Webb is here issuing rations to destitutes. He is in good flesh, weighing near two hundred pounds. I have not time to write more now. Please answer without delay. Remember me kindly to your parents when you write them

With sincere regards, I remain your friend, -- John Norris

My address:

Capt. John Norris Ordnance OfficerDistrict of the NattawayPetersburg, Virginia

More various info from Dean THOMSON, re: STETLER/NORRIS, etc.

1700's-1900's
—PA

Lara,
Look what I have!
Looks like Christian Stetler was born 1779!
wonder if A. William is abner and of course we know who J. M. Stetler is!
Christianne must be a daughter using a combination of the parents names.
Michael is also buried there & I think he is the older brotherthat was with that got placed with J. M.on a farm after parents death -- reread Poor Orphan Boy
DeAN
----- Original Message -----
From:Karen McClainTo:Dean ThomsonSent: Monday, May 04, 2009 8:32 AM
Subject: Re: Church records
Mr. Thomson,
All I have here is records of what is on the stones in the cemetery. For the people you mention, I have the following:
Christian Stetler died Mar. 4, 1821 age 42 years
Stones erected by sons, A. William, and J. M. Stetler:
Anna, wife of Christan Stetler died April 20, 1820
Christianne M. Stetler died September 28, 1829
Their birth dates are either missing or unreadable.
For further information, you should contact the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, where the archives are kept. Here is their information:
Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia
John Peterson, Archivist
7301 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119
215-248-4616
www.ltsp.edu
archives e-mail: mtairyarchives@ltsp.edu.
Best wishes on your research!
Karen McClain
Parish Administrator
Augustus Lutheran Church

----- Original Message
-----
From:Dean ThomsonTo:parishsec@oldaugustus.orgSent: Friday, May 01, 2009 10:59 PM
Subject: Church records
I have just today found an obituary of my fourth great grandmother and also found that her burial is at Augustus Lutheran cemetery.( Also her husband)I would like to know if there is any further information about her family (marriage, baptisims of children etc.) in your church records.The names are Christian (1821) & Sarah Ann Stetler . death 4-13-1820.Thank you so very much for any help.Dean Thomson

John McGinley father of Sarah Ann Mcginley

Nice obit! This is for John McGinley father of Sarah Ann Mcginley who married Christian Stetler. I’m a little uncertain of his dates, it appears they are different than what I had, likely they are probably 1750 – 1806.

More possible info re: Sarah, from Dean.

Lora, I don’t know if there would be any listings of Norris in this book or not you might look it over also see if there is any Fitzrandolph, I think Sarah Ann Stetler may have been may have been married previously before John. After rereading the biography I see (Fitzrandolph) in parentheses. I just don’t have time to search.

NORRIS' info, from Dean THOMSON, early American history.

1791-1854
—NJ

The first Montgomery County Courthouse was built and in use by 1791. It was rebuilt on a much grander scale in 1854, and, subsequently, enlarged.

As the borough grew, various attempts to charter it as a city were vigorously opposed. In the early 20th century the Boro was apt to proclaim itself as the "biggest, busiest, and brightest Borough in the world."

What's in a Name?

In November of 1689, William Penn ordered Captain Thomas Holme (his surveyor general) to lay out a tract of ground on the canoeable part of the Schuylkill River. In 1704 Penn gave the land to his son, William, as a gift. Five days later William sold the 7,482 acre property to Isaac Norris and William Trent for 850 pounds. Trent sold his share to Norris in 1712, moving to New Jersey and founding what became the NJ State Capitol - Trenton.

William had named the area "Williamstadt" (William's Town). Other early names given to the site included "Norriton" and "Norritingham," derived from Isaac Norris and his descendants.

The borough contains two National Register Historic Districts: West Norristown and Central Norristown; also on the National Register are the David Rittenhouse Junior High School (Locust Street) and the General Thomas J Stewart Memorial Armory (Harding Boulevard).